Purdue study seeks infant siblings of children with autism

May 14, 2013

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers are
looking for infant siblings of children with autism from central Indiana and
Indianapolis to participate in a study to better understand the development of
autism in young children.

The researchers are seeking infants 6-18 months old who
have at least one older sibling diagnosed with autism. The younger sibling will
need to visit Purdue's Developmental Studies Laboratory about every three to
six months, as well as participate in home visits to assess physiological
development, sleep regulation and language development. The study continues
until 30 months of age.

"Because 20 to 40 percent of the younger siblings of
children with autism develop autism, we are interested in the development of
these younger children," said study leader A.J. Schwichtenberg, assistant professor
of human development and family studies and psychological sciences. "We
hope to learn more so we can bring the age of diagnosis down for autism.
Participating in this study also will provide families opportunities to learn
more about the individual development of the younger sibling."

Child development experts will provide regular feedback
regarding the baby's development, including assessments of fine and gross motor
skills, speech understanding and speaking, emotional regulation, and visual
reception. In addition to these younger siblings being at risk for autism, they
also are at higher risk for other developmental issues such as language delays
and social difficulties. Sibling boys are more likely to develop autism and
sibling girls have higher rates of other developmental problems. Autism is a
communicative and developmental disorder that can vary in severity and affect
how people interact with others. It is estimated that 1 in 88 children have
some form of autism.

The older sibling with autism can be any age, and the
children should be at least half biologically related to each other.
Participating families can earn up to $350 from the individual $25
reimbursement for each visit and a completed questionnaire packet. Anyone
interested in learning more or participating can call 765-494-6610 or email
AJLab@purdue.edu. This study is funded by a $900,000 grant that Schwichtenberg
received in 2011 from the National Institute of Mental Health.